Final Model Users Guide

Transcription

1 32 } þ 99 } þ 70 } þ Paradise Chico 32 } þ 1 } þ91 1 } þ49 Oroville 1 } þ62 1 } þ62 1 } þ62 99 } þ Biggs Gridley 70 } þ BCAG Travel Demand Forecasting Final Model Users Guide Prepared For: Prepared By: 2990 Lava Ridge Court Suite 200 Roseville, CA 95661

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction System Requirements Installing the Model Installing the User Interface Files Installing the Model Input Files Recompiling the Model Script File Components of the Model Model Stages Running the Model Activating the Model User Interface Running the Model Through the User Interface TransCAD Basics Opening the Roadway Network Commonly Used Tools Displaying Nodes Displaying Roadway Link Attributes Displaying Tabular Data Displaying TAZ Data with a Boundary Layer Editing the Network File Configuring the Link Attribute Settings Master Network Editing the Attributes of a Single Link Editing the Attributes of Multiple Links Adding a Link Deleting a Link Editing the Land Use File Updating Land Use Inputs Occupancy Adjustment Fuel Price Adjustment Other Common Functions in TransCAD Updating From_ID and To_ID Editing the Turn Penalties Extracting Turning Volumes Select Link Analysis... 33

3 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Recommended System Requirements... 1 Table 2 Attributes In Model Network Table 3 Fuel Price Adjustment Factors... 29

4 1. INTRODUCTION This manual provides model users with practical advice on how to best use the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) Travel Demand Forecasting (TDF) Model as an analysis tool for traffic studies. The manual assumes that the reader already has a working knowledge of traffic models and only needs information regarding the details of this specific model. For more general information regarding TransCAD modeling, refer to Travel Demand Modeling with TransCAD and TransCAD User s Guide, both published by Caliper Corporation. For information regarding the development of the BCAG TDF Model, see the BCAG Travel Demand Model Development Report. Note that the BCAG TDF Model was created with TransCAD 5.0, Build 1850 and may not work properly with earlier or later versions of the software. 1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS The BCAG TDF Model must be run on a computer with Windows XP or Windows 7 and TransCAD 5.0 Build Recommended System requirements are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Component Recommendation Operating System Windows XP or 7 TransCAD Software Version 5.0, Build 1850 Processor Memory Disk Space (Installation) Disk Space (To Perform Full Model Run) Core 2 Duo 2GB RAM 900MB 10GB Fehr & Peers, 2012 The system requirements above are suggested minimums; a computer that does not meet these requirements may still run the model correctly. Using a computer with a faster processor and additional memory will reduce the model run time. It is recommended that the required disk space for both installing and running the model be provided on a hard disk local to the computer, not across a network. Model runs times will significantly increase if the model is run from a network drive instead of a local drive. It is also recommended to restart the computer between run times to clear the cache. Page 1

5 2. INSTALLING THE MODEL The model can be installed by following the steps outlined below. It is assumed that the default operating system disk drive is named c:\ and that the model will be installed and run on this drive. It is also assumed that TransCAD 5.0 Build 1695 has already been installed and is located in the C:\Program Files\TransCAD program directory. Installation of the BCAG TDF Model consists of two steps: 1. Installing the model-specific user interface files to the TransCAD program folder. 2. Copying all of the model input and output data files and folders to the model location. 2.1 INSTALLING THE USER INTERFACE FILES The BCAG TDF model user interface files are stored in the Script sub-folder of the model folder. These files need to be copied into the TransCAD program folder in order to run the model. 1. Copy the contents of the \Script\bmp folder into the C:\Program Files\TransCAD\bmp folder. You may be prompted to copy over pre-existing files of the same name. Page 2

6 2. Select Move and Replace and check Do this for the next XX conflicts. 3. Copy all files named bcag_2010_ui (7 files total) in the \Script folder into the C:\Program Files\TransCAD\ folder. 4. Before copying the BCAG_2010.ini file to the C:\Program Files\TransCAD\ folder, open it in text editing software and update the file paths match your folder structure. Where, [Model Table] Location of the mod_2010.bin file. [UI File] Location of the User Interface dialog box resource file (bcag_2010_ui.dbd). [Scenario File] Location of the Scenario file (Scenario_BCAG.arr). [Data Dictionary] Location of the model run folder. Save the updated BCAG_2010.ini file and copy it to the C:\Program Files\TransCAD\ folder. 5. Repeat the steps 3 & 4 for each model year scenario. 6. Check if the C:\Program Files\TransCAD\ folder contains an Add-ins.txt file. If not, copy over the Add-ins.txt file from the \Script folder. Otherwise, open the existing Add-ins.txt file using text editing software and add the following Lines from the BCAG model Add-ins.txt file: 2.2 INSTALLING THE MODEL INPUT FILES The model input and output files can be stored in any folder on your hard drive. The files can be stored in a network drive, but the model run time can be affected by the network speed. 1. Create a Model folder on your hard drive. 2. Copy the Master_Network and model scenario folders into the model folder. Page 3

7 3. Each scenario folder should be set up with the following folder structure: 2.3 RECOMPILING THE MODEL SCRIPT FILE If you make any edits or changes to the model script file (e.g. bcag_20120.rsc), you will need to recompile the script as described in the following steps: 1. Open TransCAD. Click Tools and select GIS Developers Kit. The GISDK Toolbox window will open. 2. Click. The compile dialog box will open. 3. Navigate to the location of the script file you would like to recompile and click Open. The Save As dialog box will open. Page 4

8 4. Type the name of the UI file you want to recompile (e.g. bcag_2010_ui.dbd) and click Save. 5. If a previous version of the UI file existed, Windows will ask for confirmation to replace it. Click Yes. Page 5

9 3. COMPONENTS OF THE MODEL The BCAG TDF model consists of three kinds of components, namely input data, model steps, and model outputs. The input data are files prepared by the modeler to represent different aspects of travel conditions. The model outputs are data files produced by the model. Some of these files are used as inputs into other steps in the model. 3.1 MODEL STAGES The model stages, shown here in the user interface, are individually described below Trip Generation The model uses the input socioeconomic data to calculate trip productions and attractions for each traffic analysis zone (TAZ). The trip productions and attractions are then allocated to peak and off-peak time periods based on time-of-day factors for each trip purpose Create Scenario Network The model uses the construction year attribute in the master network file to determine which network links should be included in the scenario network. The scenario network is then used in the following stages of the model Network Initialization The model uses a lookup table to determine the capacity of roadway segments based on roadway classification, number of lanes, and number of lanes crossing the roadway segment at the nearest intersection. The model also utilizes a lookup table to determine the travel speed on roadway segments based on the posted speed and facility type to ensure the reasonableness of travel speeds on all model roadway segments Network Skimming other stages of the model. The model develops link costs associated with every roadway segment which are used to test various routes and modes of travel to determine the lowest cost combination to travel from each specific TAZ to every other TAZ in the model. This data is stored in a matrix which is used by Trip Distribution The model uses a gravity model to estimate the number of person trips from each TAZ to every other TAZ in the model. The gravity model utilizes the outputs from the network skimming stage along with friction factors and k-factors. Page 6

10 3.2.6 Assignment This model uses a vehicle trip assignment model to assign the vehicle trips. It consists of a series of multiclass simultaneous equilibrium assignments for three classes of vehicles Feedback Stage The model uses a feedback stage to input estimated congested travel speeds from the AM peak period and Midday period vehicle assignment stages of the initial model loop back into the network skimming stage of the model in order to refine estimates from the trip generation and trip distribution stages of the model. The resulting OD matrices are once again assigned to the roadway network to produce a new set of assignment results and congested speeds. Page 7

11 4. RUNNING THE MODEL Before running the model, it is very important to ensure that all the model files have been installed correctly. Any errors in the user interface files (e.g. bcag_2010_ui.dbd), Add-ins.txt file, or path (e.g. bcag_2010.ini) file may prevent the model from loading. If the model is installed properly, model user interface can be activated for a run. 4.1 ACTIVATING THE MODEL USER INTERFACE Follow these steps to activate the model user interface: 1. Open TransCAD. Click on Tools, select Add-ins, and choose the model version you would like to run. The model user interface will open. Page 8

12 4.2 RUNNING THE MODEL THROUGH THE USER INTERFACE Before any model can be run, a scenario must first be defined. Check to see if a previous scenario exists. If so, replace it. Otherwise, add a new scenario. Previous Scenario Does Not Exist Previous Scenario Exists Setting up a New Scenario Follow these steps to set up a scenario from within the model user interface if no previous scenario exists: 1. Click Setup in the model user interface. 2. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to create a new scenario, click Yes and the Project Scenarios dialog box will open. 3. Click Add to create a new scenario. Check the file path in the Dir window to confirm the model path. Page 9

13 4.2.2 Replacing a Previous Scenario Follow these steps to set up a scenario from within the model user interface if a previous scenario exists: 1. Click Setup in the model user interface. The Project Scenarios dialog box will open. 2. If there is a previous scenario in the model folder, it will be listed and highlighted in the window. To ensure that you create a new scenario, click Delete. 3. Confirm that you want to delete the current scenario by clicking Yes. 4. Once the previous scenario has been cleared, click Add to create a new scenario. Check the file path in the Dir window to confirm the model path. Page 10

14 4.2.3 Checking Input &Output File Locations The Project Scenarios dialog box allows users to verify the existence of input and output files in the model run. Follow these steps to review the files: 1. Double click on Trip Generation in the Steps window. The Parameters for Step Trip Generation dialog box will open. 2. Verify that the input files for the trip generation step exist. If a file is unexpectedly declared Missing in the Status column, the model run will crash. 3. Toggle to the Output file list by clicking Output. Verify that the output files for the step exist. If a file that is expected to be missing exists, it is probably left over from a previous model run. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each model step listed in the Step window. Page 11

15 5. Once all input and output files are accounted for, click OK to close the parameters window and OK again to close the setup window Initializing the Model Run Once the scenario file has been created and the input and output file locations have been verified, the model is ready to run. Follow these steps to complete a full model run: 1. Verify that Run all steps and Separate MMA Purposes are checked at the top of the model user interface. 2. Click the button to run the model. In some cases, users may want to run only a few steps. By checking Stop after stage, the model will run one step at a time. Page 12

16 5. TRANSCAD BASICS 5.1 OPENING THE ROADWAY NETWORK Follow these steps to open the model roadway network: 1. Open the Master_Roads.dbd roadway network located in the \Master_Network folder. 2. Click on the file and drag it into the grey space in TransCAD. 3. The road link layer displays as the default. Page 13

17 5.2 COMMONLY USED TOOLS When a roadway network is opened, the Toolbox Toolbar also opens by default. If it does not, it can be opened by pressing F8 or clicking on Tools and selecting Toolbox. The Toolbox is shown below and several of the most commonly utilized tools are described. Zoom Tools: Allow you to zoom in and out by creating a zoom extent box on the map. Alternatively, the scroll wheel can be used to zoom. Pan Tool: Allows you to pan across a map. Alternatively, the scroll wheel can be used for panning by pressing it and panning. Info Tool: Allows you to select on a map feature and view its attributes in a dataview window that automatically opens. At the top of the TransCAD window are the Standard Tools. These include common tools such as new document, open, save, and print: Other commonly used tools are: Working Layer: This is the working layer manager; sets the active working layer. New Dataview: Opens a new dataview with the attributes of the active working layer. Join Dataviews: Joins two dataviews together based on a common identifier. This tool is used extensively to join model outputs to a roadway network for displaying results. Map Layers: Displays the layers in the map in order of display and allows for hiding or showing individual layers, as well as setting styles and labels for each layer. Page 14

18 Show or hide the legend: Toggles a legend with the visible layers and map scale on and off. Layer Styles: Shortcut to the style menu of the active working layer where style, width, color, and arrowheads can be modified. Automatic Labels: Shortcut to the labels menu of the active working layer where labels can be modified for all available fields. Main Toolbox: Shortcut to the Toolbox Toolbar, alternative to pressing F8. Selection Toolbox: Shortcut to the Selection Toolbox (shown below) for the active working layer. The toolbox has tools for several different methods of selection including select by pointing, select by circle, select by shape, etc. Map Editing Toolbox: Shortcut to the Map Editing Toolbox (shown below) for the active working layer which has tools for adding, deleting, splitting, joining, and modifying or attributes. 5.3 DISPLAYING NODES Once a roadway network is open in TransCAD, by default, only the links are displayed. Follow these steps to display the node layer: 1. Click on the Map Layers Button in the upper toolbar. The Layers dialog box will open. 2. To show the node layer, select the layer and click on show layer. Page 15

19 3. Once the node layer is shown, the node style can be modified from within this window by clicking Style. In the Style window settings such as the node icon, size, and color can be modified. You can preview what the nodes will look like by clicking Apply. 4. If you like the changes, click OK, and you are taken back to the Layers window, and then click Close to return to the network. 5. Now, you will notice that the working layer has changed to Endpoints. 6. The working layer pull down menu will have as many layers as are visible in the map layers. In order to select or modify anything within a specific layer, that layer must be selected under the working layers folder. To switch between working layer, simply click on the pull down menu and select the desired layer to activate, as shown below. Page 16

20 5.4 DISPLAYING ROADWAY LINK ATTRIBUTES Posting link attributes is a good way to visually inspect the roadway network for the number of lanes, posted speed, facility type, roadway name, and much more. To post any link attribute: 1. Select the Master_Network layer as the working layer 2. Click in the upper toolbar. The Automatic Labels dialog box will open. 3. Under the field drop down menu, select the field to display. In this example we are displaying posted speed, [AB_SPEED / BA_SPEED]. Click Apply. 4. In this same window, the font size, position, and color can also be customized for the labels to be as desired. Once all of the changes have been made, click OK. Page 17

21 5.5 DISPLAYING TABULAR DATA Most of the data in the model is stored in tabular format (*.dbf, *.bin, and *.mtx files). Follow these steps to display this data: 1. Click on the upper toolbar. The File Open Dialog box will open. 2. Navigate to the model folder. 3. Select the file type from the drop-down menu. 4. Double-click on a file name. The data appears in a new window. Page 18

22 5.6 DISPLAYING TAZ DATA WITH A BOUNDARY LAYER TAZ data is stored in tabular format in the land use file. However, it is sometime useful to display this data graphically using a TAZ boundary layer file. Follow these steps to do this: 1. Click on the upper toolbar. The File Open Dialog box will open. Navigate to the TAZ boundary ESRI Shapefile (*.shp). Click Open. 2. The ESRI Shapefile dialog box will open. Click on Coordinates 3. Check that the coordinate system and unit measurement are correct. Click OK. Page 19

23 4. Click OK to close the ESRI Shapefile dialog box. The TAZ boundary map will appear in the window. 5. Open the BCAG land use file (Land_Use_2010.dbf) by dragging it into TransCAD. Page 20

24 6. Click and select the field in each file that identifies the TAZ number. TransCAD will use these fields to correlate the records in the boundary layer with the records in the tabular file. Click OK. 7. A window will appear like the one below, which will display the combined data from the joined files, with the two connecting fields highlighted in green. Page 21

25 6. EDITING THE NETWORK FILE This chapter describes how to edit the network file. 6.1 CONFIGURING THE LINK ATTRIBUTE SETTINGS Before you edit the network file in TransCAD, you need to configure the Geographic Editing Setting, which determines how TransCAD handles the link attribute data when links are merged or split. 1. Open the Map Editing Toolbox by pressing F10 or clicking Tools, Map Editing, and selecting Toolbox. 2. Click Configure Settings ( ) in the Map Editing Toolbox, then click Update in the Configure Geographic Editing Settings dialog box. 3. In the Data Update dialog box, choose an appropriate option for each data field. For example, splitting a link should not change the free flow speeds, so select Copy for that field. In contrast, splitting a link should change the length, so for that field, select Divide proportionally. When finished, click OK. Click OK to exit the Configure Geographic Editing Settings dialog box. You are now ready to edit the network file. Page 22

26 6.2 MASTER NETWORK Both existing roadways and future roadway improvements are coded into one master network. The master network concept will help manage the model network files. Users will not need to perform the same edit in different network scenarios. The future road improvements can be easily turned on and off by changing the construction year field (CONST_YEAR) in the master network. The existing roadways that will be widened by year 2035 can be also coded in the master network by updating the future number of lane fields (AB_LN_AM35, BA_LN_AM35, AB_LN_MD35, BA_LN_MD35, etc.). However, for road widening projects, do not edit the CONST_YEAR field or the road will not appear in the 2010 network version of the model. Table 2 summarizes the model network attributes. TABLE 2 ATTRIBUTES IN MODEL NETWORK Field Description Notes: Road_Name FUNC_CLASS CAPACITY CONST_YEAR AB_SPEED / BA_SPEED Name of streets for each link Link Layer Attributes Description of functional classification Hourly capacity per lane Construction year of each link Free-flow speed in AB and BA direction AB_LN_XX10 / BA_LN_XX10 Number of lanes in AB and BA direction for year XX = Time of Day (AM, MD, PM, OP, 24). AB_LN_XX20 / BA_LN_XX20 Number of lanes in AB and BA direction for year XX = Time of Day (AM, MD, PM, OP, 24). AB_LN_XX35 / BA_LN_XX35 Number of lanes in AB and BA direction for year XX = Time of Day (AM, MD, PM, OP, 24). XX_CAPFAC ALPHA BETA FROM_ID / TO_ID HOV_LINK ONE_WAY AB_TIME / BA_TIME AB_CONGTT / BA_CONGTT LoadXX TAZ Study_Intersection 1. Bold indicates the input network fields. Capacity factors for the model time periods. XX = Time Period (AM, MD, PM, OP). Alpha parameter of Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) volume/delay equation Beta parameter of BPR volume/delay equation Manually populated A node / B node Identification of HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) links. Links with any numeric value will be considered as HOV links Identification of One-way links. Place holders for free-flow travel time in minutes. These fields will be calculated automatically. Place holders for congested travel time in minutes. These fields will be calculated automatically. Place holders for loaded link volumes for AM Peak Period, Midday Period, PM Peak Period, Off-Peak Period, AM peak hour, and PM peak hour. These fields will be filled automatically. TAZ number for each centroid 2. Other fields in the model network are kept for informational purpose. Node Layer Attributes Identification of study intersections. The turning movement volumes will be populated for nodes with any numeric value. 3. Network attributes with AB and BA labels store directional information. If a link is drawn from point A to point B, the point A to point B direction is the AB direction, and it is also called the topology direction. Fehr & Peers, 2012 Page 23

27 6.3 EDITING THE ATTRIBUTES OF A SINGLE LINK Follow these steps to edit the attributes of a single link. 1. Open the network file (Master_Roads.dbd). Zoom in to where you want to edit. 2. Click in the toolbox and select the link that you want to edit. A new window displays the attributes of the chosen link. 3. Double-click any attribute to change the stored value. 6.4 EDITING THE ATTRIBUTES OF MULTIPLE LINKS Follow these steps to edit the attributes of multiple links. 1. Open the Selection Toolbox by pressing F9 or clicking Tools and selecting Selection. 2. Click in the map editing toolbox. 3. Select several links by drawing a box around the desired area. The links change color as you select them. Page 24

28 4. Click on the upper toolbar. 5. Click on the dropdown box (which is located just to the left of the New Dataview button) and choose Selection. The attributes of the chosen links display. 6. Click any of this data to change it. You can also click on a field name to change all of the data in a field, or click-and-drag to select several cells. You can then right-click to fill in the selected cells with a value or with a formula. 7. Another way to select several links at once is to click Selection on the upper toolbar and select Select by Condition. A new window will appear. 8. You can then use the menus to create a condition to evaluate, similar to a query function. 6.5 ADDING A LINK Follow these steps to add a link. 1. Open the network file (Master_Roads.dbd). Zoom in to where you want to add a link. 2. Open the Map Editing Toolbox by pressing F10 or clicking Tools, Map Editing, and selecting Toolbox. Page 25

29 3. Click and click on the starting node and then double click on the ending node. To save the edit, click. If you do not want to save the edit, click. 4. Click in the toolbox and select the added link to fill in the link attributes (e.g., speeds, capacity, etc.) 5. Since TransCAD continually updates the file, you can finish by closing the file. You do not need to save the file. Page 26

30 6.6 DELETING A LINK Follow these steps to delete a link. 1. Open the network file (Master_Roads.dbd). Zoom in to where you want to add a link. 2. Open the Map Editing Toolbox by pressing F10 or clicking Tools, Map Editing, and selecting Toolbox. 3. Click and select the link or multiple links you want to delete. The selected links will change from black to red in color. 4. To save, click. Page 27

31 7. EDITING THE LAND USE FILE This Chapter describes how to edit the Land Use file. 7.1 UPDATING LAND USE INPUTS Follow these steps to update the Land Use file. 1. Open the land use preparation file (20XX_LU_Cross-Classification.xlsx) and navigate to the LU_INPUT tab. 2. Edit the land uses accordingly. If you are adding land uses to a spare TAZ, be sure to assign it an area type (ATYPE_STR). 3. Copy the contents of the LAND_USE_20XX.dbf tab to the LAND_USE_20XX.dbf file located in the model inputs folder. 4. Note If you are adding land uses to a spare TAZ, update the Prop, SFHH, and MFHH tabs. In the Prop tab, choose a distribution of households from a TAZ similar to the one being added and copy the proportional values to that row. In the SFHH and MFHH tabs, copy the formulas to the new row. 7.2 OCCUPANCY ADJUSTMENT The BCAG model trip generation sub-model has the ability to reflect varying levels of occupancy for residential and non-residential buildings. The following steps allow a user to adjust occupancy levels at a TAZ level: 1. Open the land use table (LAND_USE_20XX.dbf) in the model inputs folder. 2. If you are applying a residential occupancy factor, adjust the HHOCC_P column. If you are applying a non-residential occupancy fact, adjust the HHOCC_P column. 7.3 FUEL PRICE ADJUSTMENT Fuel prices are a major influence on travel since the price of gasoline or diesel is a substantial component to the overall cost of travel and the one cost most recognizable to drivers compared to infrequent costs like tire wear or oil changes. When determining the effects of fuel cost on travel, economists typically use the idea of price elasticity. In the case of fuel price elasticity, this represents the change in VMT with respect to fuel prices. For example, a VMT/fuel price elasticity of indicates that an increase in fuel prices of 10 percent would result in a 0.5 percent decline in VMT. The BCAG model trip generation module can be adjusted to reflect how changes in fuel price affect travel. The detailed steps to apply this adjustment are as follows: Page 28

32 1. Calculate the VMT change and Fuel_Mod model factor based on a fuel price change in the Fuel_Price_Elasticity_Calculator.xlsx spreadsheet. Based on a fuel price elasticity of -0.25, the following factors may be applied per TAZ in the land use inputs. TABLE 3 FUEL PRICE ADJUSTMENT FACTORS Fuel Price Change Change in VMT Fuel_Mod Factor Fehr & Peers, % 0 1 2% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % Open the land use table (LAND_USE_20XX.dbf) in the model inputs folder and enter the adjustment factor in the Fuel_Mod column. Page 29

33 8. OTHER COMMON FUNCTIONS IN TRANSCAD This chapter describes other common functions in TransCAD. 8.1 UPDATING FROM_ID AND TO_ID Although the four-step model does not use the From_ID and To_ID fields, they are added in the BCAG TransCAD model to identify the link directionality for the potential post-processors. If any link edits are made to the master network, the user may need to follow these steps to update the From_ID and To_ID fields. 1. Open the network file (Master_Roads.dbd). 2. Click Dataview in the upper toolbar and select Formula Fields. The Formula dialog box will open. 3. Click Node Fields 4. Select the ID field (Option should be already selected as Both) and click OK. 5. Click to open the dataview table. Temporary [From ID] and [To ID] fields will be added to the end of the table. Page 30

34 6. Fill the permanent From_ID and To_ID fields with temporary [From ID] and [To ID] fields. 8.2 EDITING THE TURN PENALTIES Follow these steps to edit the turn penalties. 1. Open the Turn Penalty file (e.g., Turn_Penalties_AM_2010.bin). 2. If you are changing an existing turn penalty, you can edit it within this window. 3. If you are adding a new turn penalty, click Edit on the upper toolbar and select Add Records. 4. Type the number of records you want to add. 5. Add new turn penalties by editing the data in this window. Null (--) indicates a turn prohibition while numbers indicate delay in minutes. Turn penalties are based on the ID of the From and To link. Page 31

35 8.3 EXTRACTING TURNING VOLUMES The BCAG TDF model was originally designed to provide data for regional transportation analyses and was not calibrated to provide turning movement volumes. While the model is able to extract turning movement volumes, it is recommended that a sub-area validation be performed prior to extracting turning movements and appropriate land use and roadway network refinements be made to obtain more accurate forecasts. To extract turning movement volumes from a particular intersection, perform the following steps: 1. Open the master network *.DBD file. 2. Click on the Map Layers Button in the upper toolbar. The Layers dialog box will open. 3. To show the node layer, select the layer and click on show layer. 4. On the map, browse to the intersection where turning volumes are desired. Click in the toolbox and click the intersection node. 5. Enter a number into the Study Intersection field. Any number can be entered and the numbers can repeat. When the script runs and looks for study intersections, it searches for non-null values. Page 32

36 6. Repeat this step for all intersections where turning volumes are needed. This step can also be performed by using one of the selection tools if a large number of intersections require turning volumes. 7. Once the study intersections have been specified, close all the windows and run the model. In general, only traffic assignment needs to be run to obtain turning movements from a pre-existing run, but study intersections can be established prior to a new run as well. 8. After the run is complete, find the turning movement file (e.g. TURNING_VOL_AM.DBF) in the Outputs\Volumes folder. Open this file in TransCAD or Excel. The data file will contain information about the FROMLINK, TOLINK, and the study intersection node. To determine the directionality of the turns, refer to the network *.DBD file and post the node and link information using a label. Rounded volume information is provided following the link and node information. 8.4 SELECT LINK ANALYSIS Select link analysis is a useful tool for determining the distribution of traffic from a given link to the rest of the network. This is an advanced application in terms of effort and interpreting the results. The output from this analysis is an estimate of the traffic distribution due to the complexity of actually tracking all trips and their paths through the model s multi-iteration assignment routine. As a result, the output may not agree completely with your original model runs. The three main phases in the process are to set up a query file that identifies the links you are interested in, manually run the traffic assignment, and then display the results. The detailed steps are as follows: Page 33

37 8.4.1 Setting up Query File 1. A select link analysis must be performed on a prior full model run. To begin, go to the folder containing the run results (e.g. the 2006 or 2035 folder) 2. Open the loaded network file (e.g., Roads_Loaded_2010.dbd). 3. Click Planning on the upper toolbar, Assignment Utilities, and select Select Link/Zone Queries Builder. The Select Link/Zone Query Builder dialog box will open. Note that sometimes the planning menu is not available. To activate the planning menu, click Procedures in the upper toolbar and select Show All. 4. Click Add. You can then use or to choose the links or nodes you are interested in. TransCAD will make the query automatically. 5. Click Save and TransCAD will prompt you for a query name. Enter a name and close the query dialog box Running a Manual Traffic Assignment The next step is to manually run the traffic assignment. 1. Open an OD matrix for assignment (e.g. OD_AM_Total.mtx). Once the matrix is open, minimize the matrix window (you will be returned to the network file). Page 34

38 2. Click Planning on the upper toolbar, Multi-Class Traffic Assignment, and select Multi-Modal Multi-Class Assignment. TransCAD will prompt you to supply the name of a TransCAD virtual network (.NET) file. Select the appropriate file (e.g. Roads_Loaded_2010_AM.net). Click Open. 3. TransCAD will prompt you to supply the name of a Turn Penalty file. Select the appropriate file (e.g. Turn_Penalties_AM_2010.bin). Click Open. Page 35

39 4. The Network Settings dialog will open. Click OK. 5. The Multi-Modal Multi-Class Assignment (MMA) dialog box will open. Change the settings as shown below. For example, the TransCAD default number of iterations is 20, but the BCAG model is set to 50 iterations with the convergence criteria of Also, be sure to highlight the QuickSum matrix in the Class Information section of the dialog box and check the Use Class box. 6. Click Options. The Options dialog box will open. Check Select Link/Zone Queries and select the query file that you saved previously. Click OK to close the Options dialog box and return to the Modal Multi-Class Assignment dialog box. Page 36

40 7. Click OK and the Output File Settings dialog box will open. 8. Double click on the file names to change the names to what you want to use for your output files. TransCAD defaults to saving these files into the Documents folder so remember to put them into the model output folder. Click OK and TransCAD will process the traffic assignment Displaying the Select Link Results When the assignment run is complete, the next step is to display the results. 1. Close the report box and click. The Scaled Symbol Theme dialog box will open. 2. Check Dual Fields and select the query field for display. Under Symbol Sizes select Map Wizard for automatic scaling. Click OK. 3. A select link display map will appear. Page 37